Question

Could/May/Should. В чем разница?

Answer 1

Could (мог) - прошедшая форма глагола can (мочь)
May (мочь) - то же, что и can, но не употребляется в прошедшем времени.
Should - это уже переводится как следует, должен
все модальные глаголы и не требуют частицы to

Answer 2

"Could," "may," and "should" are all modal verbs in English that have different meanings and uses. Let's explore each one:

1. Could:

• Meaning: "Could" is the past tense of "can," and it is used to express past ability, possibility, or permission. It can also be used as a polite way to make a request or offer.
• Example uses:
  • Past ability: "When I was younger, I could run very fast."
  • Past possibility: "It could have been a mistake."
  • Past permission: "He said I could borrow his car."
  • Polite request: "Could you please pass me the salt?"

2. May:

• Meaning: "May" is used to express permission, possibility, or a wish.
• Example uses:
  • Permission: "May I go to the restroom?"
  • Possibility: "It may rain later."
  • Wish: "May all your dreams come true."

3. Should:

• Meaning: "Should" is used to indicate advice, recommendation, obligation, or expectation.
• Example uses:
  • Advice: "You should study for the exam."
  • Recommendation: "She should see a doctor about that cough."
  • Obligation: "We should follow the rules."
  • Expectation: "He should arrive soon."

To summarize:

• "Could" refers to past ability, possibility, or permission, and can be used politely for requests.
• "May" refers to permission, possibility, or expressing a wish.
• "Should" is about advice, recommendation, obligation, or expectation.

The choice between these modal verbs depends on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey.